At this point, almost three full weeks into the season, you would
think it’s a little late in the game to start hating C.C. Sabathia for
signing with the Yankees. But it just struck me, during the Indians’
four-game series at the wind tunnel known as new Yankee Stadium, that
as far as his professional career is concerned, he can go to hell.
When the hefty lefty was traded to Milwaukee in the Tribe’s
mid-season fire sale of 2008, there was no ill will harbored against He
of the Crooked Cap as far as I was concerned. It was the price of doing
business. Hell, I rooted for him to toss complete-game shut-outs every
time he sauntered to the mound. When the playoffs began and my dear
Wahoos were off on vacation, I took up Milwaukee as my rooting
interest. Good Midwest town. Small payroll. C.C.
It didn’t even strike me as his free-agent negotiations leaned more
and more toward landing in the pinstripers’ favor. At that point of the
winter, even though he was clearly the largest free agent on the market
— the center of $100 million-plus rumors — he was still
just another newly minted nomad. These things happen. Kids excel in an
organization, sign a long-term contract, and when that last year comes
and goes and they’re still on top of their game, they get to reap the
rewards on the open market.
It didn’t even strike me when his ridiculous contract with the
Yankees was finalized, even though the Yankees seemed to be bidding
against only themselves in offering Sabathia a seven-year, $161-million
deal.
It didn’t even strike me at his official press conference when he
sat in front of the Yankees logo and pulled the devil’s cap over his
head. Hell, what did I expect to happen? Of course he was going to sign
with the Yankees. Whatever.
It didn’t even strike me when he appeared on the cover of
Sports Illustrated‘s MLB preview issue. He’s the biggest
story of the off-season — clearly it makes sense to plaster his
mug on the front of a magazine.
And then the season began, and my indifference quickly morphed into
vitriol. After the Tribe’s opening-day loss to the Rangers, I turned on
the New York vs. Baltimore game to see C.C. standing on the mound. This
was real. This was Belle and Ramirez and Thome all over again, and I
was mildly shocked. Maybe those dearly departed members of the Tribe
left so long ago that the emotional resonance faded away. Shapiro had
locked everyone up to long-term deals. This team had a young nucleus
that would be around for the foreseeable future.
And then C.C. took to the rubber in the official opener for new
Yankee Stadium against his former team.
He was no longer some free agent. He was the new face of the
franchise — a $161-million investment on which this season would
be judged.
And his cap was on straight.
I wish him all the health and wealth and happiness for him and his
family off the field, but on it, I hope he immediately comes down with
Rick Ankiel disease and never throws another strike as long as he
plays. No injuries — that would be mean. Just a complete
inability to throw the ball for a strike. And I hope wearing his hat
gives him a headache.
Seeing him on the mound against the Tribe was like seeing your
ex-girlfriend with her new boyfriend for the first time — and you
realize he’s the guy who used to beat you up in grade school. You can
barely contain the gurgling rage or your desire for them both to
contract herpes.
Well, maybe not herpes. Maybe something curable, like gonorrhea.
C.C. can opt out of his contract with N.Y. after the 2011 season, after
all.
CRIBS: CAVS CAST-OFFS EDITION
Larry Hughes arrived in Cleveland for the 2005-2006 season and made
his exit in February 2008 in a trade to the Bulls. He’s been gone for
more than a year, but apparently his house is still for sale in
Bratenahl for the price of $2.1 million, a bargain in this economic
climate.
Some highlights: “An English inspire [sic] designed brick and stucco
colonial sports a formal European feeling. Located in the prime Hanna
Estates of Newport, this home is designed to accommodate a family and a
carefree entertainment lifestyle. Walk to Lake Erie, yacht basin or
private club for social evenings along the water’s edge. Just minutes
to downtown Cleveland for fine dining or professional sports.
• Full, finished carpeted lower level
• Warm, rec room, 17 x 16, has brick gas-fired fireplace and
corner built-in entertainment center with big screen TV
• Billiards room, 20 x 20, has built-in cue stick rack, opens
to gaming table and wet bar with wine cooler, refrigerator, ice maker,
dishwasher and seating at counter for three guests
• Mirrored fitness room, 33 x 13
• Large marble steam and sauna room
• Full bath with shower
• Carpeted bedroom with walk-in closet
• Whimsical theater with stage, projection screen, side alcove
seating areas, tiered seating of plus leather recliners and surround
sound
• Barbershop equipped with professional hairdressing chair,
sink and dryer.
Read more at Scene’s sports blog 64 & Counting (clevescene.com/blogs/64-and-counting).
This article appears in Apr 22-28, 2009.
